University of Seoul co-hosts Seoul Big Data Forum to explore new possibilities for data use
Summary
The University of Seoul co-hosted the 2026 Seoul Big Data Forum at Coex in southern Seoul from Oct. 6-7 to examine how AI and big data could shape future cities and expand data use. About 2,600 people attended in person and online. UCLA roboticist Dennis Hong delivered the keynote on humanoid robots and physical AI, while speakers discussed technology trends and industry applications.
Key Facts
- The forum was co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Seoul Institute and the Seoul AI Foundation.
- Dennis Hong directs the Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Other speakers included Nokia public sector and emerging segments head Philippe Gerard, MaumAI CEO Son Byoung-hee and Kyoto University professor Takayuki Ito.
- Presentations were followed by panel discussions involving university professors and AI experts, as well as question-and-answer sessions.
Domestic, international experts share latest technological trends
University of Seoul President Won Yong-kul delivers an opening address during the 2026 Seoul Big Data Forum at Coex in southern Seoul, Oct. 6. Courtesy of University of Seoul
The University of Seoul held the 2026 Seoul Big Data Forum at Coex in southern Seoul from Oct. 6-7 to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies will shape future cities and open up new possibilities for data use.
The two-day event was co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Seoul Institute and the Seoul AI Foundation, the university said Friday.
The forum brought together domestic and international experts to discuss advances in AI and big data and share their research findings.
About 2,600 people, including AI, big data and robotics professionals, along with members of the public, attended the forum both in person and online.
The keynote address was delivered by Dennis Hong, a renowned roboticist and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who directs the Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory.
In a presentation titled “When Intelligence Gets a Body: Humanoids and the Rise of Physical Intelligence,” Hong discussed the potential of humanoid robots and physical AI.
His lively and engaging presentation drew an enthusiastic response from the audience, the university said.
Other speakers included Philippe Gerard, head of public sector and emerging segments at Nokia; Son Byoung-hee, CEO of MaumAI; Ji Da-young, senior manager at Lotte Card; Yoo Eung-jun, CEO of JOON AI Consulting; Takayuki Ito, professor at Kyoto University; and Per Ola Kristensson, professor at the University of Cambridge.
Audience members listen to a speech by University of Seoul President Won Yong-kul during the 2026 Seoul Big Data Forum at Coex in southern Seoul, Oct. 6. Courtesy of University of Seoul
The speakers shared the latest technological trends and practical applications of AI and big data across various industries.
Each presentation was followed by a panel discussion involving university professors and other AI experts, as well as a question-and-answer session.
The discussions provided an opportunity for speakers, panelists and attendees to exchange views on how technological advances are reshaping society and what challenges lie ahead.
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